THE Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has concluded arrangements to formalize the sale of works of Nigeria actors, actresses and musicians in the international market.
This according to the government would not only address the prolonged problem of pirating of their works, but would increase Nigerians earnings from the non-oil sector as well as reduce the nation’s dependence on the oil sector as a major source of its revenue.
At a press conference in Abuja over the weekend, the Executive Director/CEO, NEPC, Mr. David Adulugba, disclosed that for a start, the Council was conveying a number of Nigeria’s entertainment players to about five African countries, adding that the NEPC and a high powered delegation of actors, actresses, musicians and craftsmen would berth in Windoeke, Namibia later this month where they will engage on a road show.
Flanked by key players in the entertainment industry at the briefing, the NEPC Executive Director explained that the show has been designed to create an export path for Nigerian movies and music aimed at increasing the basket of exportable products from Nigeria.
Adulugba noted that most African countries were waiting to meet these people, adding, “the road show is primarily intended to promote our fast growing movie and entertainment industry. The programme would also promote and sensitize the industry by exposing the potentials of Nigerian artists whose service would generate foreign exchange earnings. Over the years, Nigerian movies have become very popular among the people of Africa as well as African Diaspora in Europe, North America and the Caribbean”.
Africa’ was spearheaded by the Council in its quest to develop and promote the entertainment industry as part of the five priority sectors for promotion under the trade in services sub-sector. The road show, which will commence from October 17-19 this year will be hosted by the Nigerian High Commission in Namibia.
Artistes who have confirmed their participation at the event are Tuface, Patience Uzokwu, Francis Duru, Uche Jumbo, Aki and Paw Paw, Monalisa Chinda, among others.
